Appetizer with 3 types of cheese

I found this cheese arrangement in an old French magazine discussing food design. I liked the idea of cutting the cheese into simple geometric shapes without complicating things too much, and placing it directly on a platter. For extra flavor, I added a few teaspoons of peach mustard, a slightly spicy jam that elevates the cheeses from the mundane. The recipe works as an appetizer or after the meal, with a glass of cognac.

Quick Info

Total time: 10-15 minutes
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
Cooking time: none required
Servings: 6-8
Difficulty: very easy
Recipe type: simple appetizer, cheese platter

Ingredients

200 g wasabi cheese (green)
200 g goat cheese (white)
200 g Emmental
2-3 teaspoons peach mustard (store-bought or another spicy peach jam)

Instructions

1. Take the cheeses out of the fridge at least 15 minutes before cutting them. This makes them easier to handle and enhances their flavors.
2. Cut each type of cheese into different geometric shapes: cubes, triangles, sticks, or slices. They don’t have to be perfect; just make sure they are varied.
3. Arrange the cheese pieces on a platter, alternating colors and shapes for visual contrast.
4. Place 2-3 teaspoons of peach mustard on the edge of the platter or in small bowls alongside. Try not to put too much at once, as it has quite an intense flavor.
5. Serve as an appetizer or, if you want to respect the French custom, after the main course, with a glass of cognac.

Why I make this recipe often

It takes me no more than 10 minutes, and I don’t need complicated ingredients. It’s easy to adapt to what I have in the fridge. The peach mustard adds a surprising element, and the combination of cheeses makes the platter interesting without much effort. Ideal when I have guests or want something quick in the evening.

Tips and Variations

Tips
- Cheese is tastier at room temperature; don’t cut it straight from the fridge.
- If you have time, try using a knife for each type so that the flavors and colors don’t mix.
- Don’t prepare the platter too far in advance; the cheeses can pick up odors if left exposed for too long.

Substitutions
- If you can’t find wasabi cheese, you can use another cheese with added flavors or plain cheese.
- Peach mustard can be swapped with hot pepper jam, onion jam, or even apricot jam for those who don’t want it spicy.
- Goat cheese can be replaced with any creamy white cheese.

Variations
- You can add a fourth type of cheese if you want more variety.
- You can place some fresh or dried fruits on the platter if you want to expand it without changing the base recipe.

Serving Ideas
- It pairs well with fresh bread or neutral crackers.
- For dessert, the platter can be served with dry white wine instead of cognac.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is peach mustard?
It depends on the brand chosen. Store-bought ones usually have a mild sweet-spicy flavor, but the intensity varies. If you can’t handle spicy at all, use less at first.

Can I prepare the platter a day in advance?
I don’t recommend it; the cheeses can pick up odors or dry out at the edges if cut and exposed too early. It’s better to cut and arrange them just before serving.

What can I use instead of Emmental?
You can substitute with any hard or semi-hard cheese: Gouda, Maasdam, Cheddar, depending on what you have on hand and what flavor you prefer.

Can lactose-free cheeses be used?
Yes, there are lactose-free cheese options available in the market, and they can be used without problems in this recipe.

What drink pairs best with this platter?
Cognac is recommended after the meal, but it also goes well with dry white wine, prosecco, or even natural cider.

Nutritional Values

The values are estimated, per serving (out of 8):
Calories: ~220 kcal
Protein: ~14 g
Fat: ~16 g
Carbohydrates: ~5 g (from jam)
Most of the calories come from the cheeses. The peach mustard adds a bit of sugar and extra calories.

Storage and Reheating

The platter does not store well after being cut and arranged. The cheeses can dry out or pick up odors if left uncovered. If there are leftover cheese pieces, wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in the fridge, but don’t leave them cut on the platter overnight. The peach mustard can be stored in the fridge in its original jar. Reheating this recipe is not recommended.